Quick Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe: A Rustic Twist on Pasta Night

Wild western-inspired cowboy spaghetti brings rustic ranch flavors straight to your dinner table.

Hearty ingredients tell stories of open plains and cowhand traditions.

Robust beef and spicy seasonings create a meal that feels like an adventure.

Pasta lovers will appreciate this unexpected twist on classic comfort food.

Each bite connects you with rugged frontier spirit and bold culinary creativity.

Savor the robust blend of smoky, tangy elements that make this dish unforgettable.

Saddle up and get ready to experience a true taste of western charm.

Why Cowboy Spaghetti Is A Bold And Fun Meal

• Master Speed Cooking: This recipe offers a quick and straightforward method with minimal prep steps, allowing busy home cooks to create a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Versatile Serving Style: Perfectly adaptable to different side dishes like rice or vegetables, making it an ideal option for flexible meal planning and catering to various preferences.
• One-Pan Wonder: Utilizing a single oven-safe skillet reduces cleanup time and simplifies the cooking process, perfect for those seeking convenient meal preparation with minimal dishes to wash.
• Flavor-Packed Technique: The combination of honey mustard sauce and fresh thyme creates a gourmet-style dish that transforms simple chicken thighs into a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort.

What You Need For Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe

• Chicken Thighs: Tender cuts of dark meat that provide rich flavor and juicy texture for the recipe.

• Dijon Mustard, Honey, Olive Oil: A balanced blend that creates a sweet and tangy coating for the chicken.

• Fresh Thyme Sprigs, Fresh Parsley: Aromatic herbs that add a bright and fresh finish to the dish.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the chicken.

How To Cook Cowboy Spaghetti With Ease

Step 1: Prepare Meaty Sauce

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic
• Worcestershire sauce
• Smoky barbecue sauce

Let the sauce simmer and develop rich flavors.

Step 2: Cook Pasta

Boil spaghetti in salted water until perfectly al dente. Drain pasta, reserving a small amount of cooking water.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Toss cooked spaghetti with the hearty meat sauce. If needed, add reserved pasta water to help sauce coat noodles evenly.

Step 4: Add Crispy Toppings

• Crispy bacon bits
• Sharp cheddar cheese
• Sliced green onions

Step 5: Serve Hot

Transfer spaghetti to serving plates. Garnish with additional cheese and bacon. Serve immediately while warm and steaming.

Tips To Make Cowboy Spaghetti Even Better

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches exactly 165F for perfectly cooked, juicy meat without overcooking.
• Select bone-in chicken thighs with skin for extra flavor and moisture during baking.
• Swap honey with maple syrup for a different sweet undertone if desired, keeping the same liquid measurements.
• Let chicken rest 5-7 minutes after cooking to help redistribute juices and maintain tenderness.
• Consider preparing extra sauce by doubling the honey mustard recipe for additional drizzling or dipping.

Tasty Twists On Cowboy Spaghetti To Try

• Spicy Southwest Cowboy Chicken: Replace honey mustard with a zesty chipotle-lime sauce, adding cayenne pepper and smoked paprika for extra heat.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Swap honey mustard for a lemony oregano and garlic sauce, incorporating feta cheese and kalamata olives as garnish.
• BBQ Ranch Cowboy Chicken: Use a tangy BBQ ranch dressing instead of honey mustard, sprinkle with crispy bacon bits for added crunch.
• Coconut Curry Chicken: Create an Indian-inspired version with coconut milk, curry powder, and ginger, serving over fragrant basmati rice.

What Pairs Well With Cowboy Spaghetti Dinner

• Crisp White Wine Complement: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to balance the tangy honey mustard sauce and cut through the chicken's richness.
• Bright Herb-Infused Side: Prepare a light lemon-parsley quinoa or roasted asparagus to enhance the dish's fresh herbal notes and provide a complementary texture.
• Creamy Cool Accent: Serve a simple cucumber yogurt salad or tzatziki as a refreshing side that will cool down the mustard's sharp edges and add creamy contrast.

How To Store Cowboy Spaghetti Without Drying Out

• Store leftover honey mustard chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe plastic wrap or containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature to avoid overcooking.

FAQ Sheet For Cowboy Spaghetti Lovers

• Is honey mustard chicken healthy?

This recipe offers a balanced meal with lean protein from chicken thighs and natural sweetness from honey. It’s relatively low in calories and provides essential nutrients when paired with vegetables.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts work perfectly. Just reduce cooking time by 5-10 minutes to prevent drying out, and ensure internal temperature reaches 165F.

• What type of mustard works best?

Dijon mustard provides the most authentic flavor, but stone-ground or whole grain mustards can also create delicious variations with slightly different textures.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches 165F at the thickest part. The chicken should be white throughout with no pink areas.

Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe

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4.6 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Cowboy spaghetti brings hearty ranch-style comfort to dinner tables across America. Spicy ground beef, crisp bacon, and bold tomato sauce create a rustic western-inspired pasta experience you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 2 1/4 pounds (1 kilogram) boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 8 thighs)

Seasonings and Herbs:

• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme
• Chopped fresh parsley (optional), for garnish

Sauces and Oils:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) Dijon mustard
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) honey
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) extra virgin olive oil

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), ensuring a hot environment for perfect chicken cooking.
2. Carefully dry chicken thighs using paper towels, removing excess moisture for optimal seasoning adherence.
3. Create a vibrant honey mustard sauce by whisking Dijon mustard, honey, and olive oil until the mixture becomes smooth and fully integrated.
4. Select a large oven-safe skillet and heat over medium temperature, preparing for chicken searing.
5. Place seasoned chicken thighs into the skillet, cooking approximately 4-5 minutes per side until a golden-brown crust develops.
6. Generously drizzle prepared honey mustard sauce over the seared chicken, adding fresh thyme sprigs for aromatic enhancement.
7. Transfer the skillet directly into the preheated oven, allowing chicken to roast for 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
8. Carefully remove skillet from oven, discarding thyme sprigs and preserving the flavorful pan sauce.
9. Optional: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley for additional color and herbaceous notes.
10. Plate the honey mustard chicken alongside complementary sides like rice or roasted vegetables, spooning extra sauce over the dish.

Notes

• Swap out chicken thighs for skinless chicken breasts to reduce fat content while maintaining protein levels.
• Add red pepper flakes to the honey mustard sauce for a spicy kick that elevates the flavor profile.
• Use a meat thermometer to precisely check chicken’s internal temperature, preventing overcooking and ensuring juicy results.
• Select high-quality Dijon mustard for a more robust and authentic sauce flavor that complements the honey’s sweetness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 225 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 0.3 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg